Hydrovac Excavation System Having Object Detection

ABSTRACT

An excavation system that is configured to utilize water pressure and vacuum to provide removal of terrain from an area wherein the excavation system is further configured to provide detection and alert of subterranean objects in the excavation area. The excavation system includes a digging wand that is operably coupled to a water source. The digging wand includes a plurality of water jets that are configured to emit water. The digging wand further includes in the nozzle thereof a plurality of detection transceivers. The detection transceivers are configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate the nozzle of the digging wand during the excavation process. The controller of the present invention includes a screen that provides image data of the area proximate the nozzle. The controller further provides at least two operational modes wherein one of the operational modes provides reduction of water pressure upon detection of a subterranean object.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to excavation systems, morespecifically but not by way of limitation, an excavation system thatutilizes a combination of high pressure water and a vacuum system tofacilitate the removal of dirt from a desired area wherein the presentinvention includes a high pressure water wand that is configured toprovide object detection so as to inhibit damage thereto during theexcavation process.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, there are various techniques for excavatingareas depending upon the construction application. For generalexcavation, equipment such as bulldozers and the like are utilized toprovide general leveling and removing of terrain from a desired area.For other applications such as but not limited to pipeline excavation,it can be common to use equipment such as backhoes or hydrovac systems.Hydrovac excavation system are comprised of a vacuum system and a highpressure water system wherein the combination of the two are utilized todislodge and remove dirt from a targeted area. The systems include awater source operably coupled to a digging wand wherein the digging wandis used to direct a stream of high pressure water to dislodge dirtproximate the discharge end of the digging wand from which water isegressing therefrom. As the water is ejected from the digging wand athigh pressure, a vacuum hose is placed proximate thereto and is operableto remove the water/dirt from the area and transfer to either anotherlocation or temporary holding tank.

While the aforementioned is effective at removal of dirt there aredeficiencies with the existing technology. The water ejected from thedigging wand is typically done at a very high water pressure that can bethousands of pounds per square inch. When utilizing a digging wand, theoperator has no visibility to any object that may be in the area beingexcavated such as but not limited to a pipeline. As an operatorexcavates with a digging wand it can be a common occurrence wherein thelack of visibility in the area being excavated results in damage toobjects such as but not limited to pipeline, fiber optic cable and otherburied objects.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hydrovac excavation system that isconfigured to provide detection of objects proximate the digging wandand provide an alert thereto in order to prevent damage to the detectedobject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a hydrovacexcavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in atargeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressurewater wherein the present invention is operable to provide objectdetection for subterranean objects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovacexcavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effectremoval of dirt in a targeted area wherein the high pressure water isdirected outward from a wand.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovacexcavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in atargeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressurewater wherein the wand of the present invention is equipped withdetection transceivers that are configured to provide detection ofsubterranean objects proximate to the end thereof.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovacexcavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effectremoval of dirt in a targeted area wherein the sensors are configured toutilize ultrasound, magnetic, x-ray or alternate technology to providedetection of subterranean objects.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovacexcavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in atargeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressurewater wherein the digging wand of the present invention is operablycoupled to a controller that will provide water pressure controlthereof.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovacexcavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effectremoval of dirt in a targeted area wherein the controller of the presentinvention is operable to reduce the water pressure egressing from thedigging wand subsequent detection of a subterranean object beingproximate thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to a provide a hydrovacexcavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in atargeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressurewater wherein the present invention may be utilized with or without avacuum component.

An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovacexcavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effectremoval of dirt in a targeted area wherein the controller is configuredwith an audio alarm to alert the operator upon detection of asubterranean object.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovacexcavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in atargeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressurewater wherein the controller of the present invention further includes agraphical interface providing a visual display of the area proximate theend of the digging wand.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovacexcavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effectremoval of dirt in a targeted area wherein the controller provides fixedwater pressure settings for alternate applications or terrain type.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the presentinvention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings areillustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of thepresent invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had byreference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein variouselements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and whereinthrough the views and FIGURES like elements are referenced withidentical reference numerals, there is illustrated an excavation system100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein withreference to the FIGURES submitted herewith. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the detailed description herein with respect tothese FIGURES is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplatedwithin the scope of the present invention that alternative embodimentsare plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, thosehaving skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the presentinvention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitableapproaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application toimplement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyondthat of the particular implementation choices in the embodimentdescribed herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within thescope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, materials, uses and applicationsdescribed herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit thescope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein andin the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or moreelements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in theart. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusivesense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having thedefinition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusiveor” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structuresdescribed herein are to be understood also to refer to functionalequivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed toexpress approximation should be so understood unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplaryembodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of theinvention so described may include a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes theparticular feature, structure or characteristic.

Now referring in particular to the FIGURES submitted herewith, theexcavation system 100 includes a storage tank 10. The storage tank 10herein is illustrated for exemplary purposes and it is contemplatedwithin the scope of the present invention that the storage tank 10 couldbe configured in various alternative embodiments and sizes. Furthermore,it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that thestorage tank 10 could include a first portion and a second portionwherein the first portion is configured to store water and the secondportion is configured to receive the materials being excavated. Itshould be also understood within the scope of the present invention thatthe excavation system 100 could be implemented either with or withoutvacuum capabilities. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scopeof the present invention that the excavation system 100 could beoperably coupled to a water supply instead of utilizing stored water.The storage tank 10 has a vacuum hose 5 operably coupled thereto and isoperably coupled to a conventional vacuum motor (not illustrated herein)wherein the vacuum hose 5 is manipulated to be placed proximate thedigging wand 20 and retrieve the material dislodged by the digging wand20 and transfer to at least one portion of the storage tank 10.

Operably coupled to the storage tank 10 and in particular a fluiddisposed therein, is digging wand 20. Digging wand 20 is fluidly coupledto storage tank 10 utilizing hose 15. Hose 15 is a conventionalindustrial rubber hose and it is contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention that the hose 15 could be manufactured in alternatelengths and diameters. The digging wand 20 includes base portion 22,control interface 24 and nozzle 26. Base portion 22 is manufactured fromrigid tubing such as but not limited to metal tubing and can be providedin alternate lengths and diameters. The control interface 24 is operablycoupled to the base portion 22 utilizing suitable mechanical techniques.The control interface 24 is operably coupled to controller 50 andprovides remote adjustment of at least some of the functions of theexcavation system 100. The control interface 24 includes housing 25 thatis configured to have disposed therein the necessary electronics tostore, receive, transmit and manipulate data. The control interface 24is coupled to controller 50 utilizing wires 28 wherein the wires areconventional configuration suitable for electronic signal and datatransmission.

Distal to control interface 24 on the base portion 22 is the nozzle 26.The nozzle 26 is secured to the base portion 22 utilizing suitabledurable techniques. While the nozzle 26 is illustrated herein having aparticular shape, it should be understood within the scope of thepresent invention that the nozzle 26 could be provide in alternateshapes and sizes. The nozzle 26 includes body 32 manufactured from adurable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. The body 32forms interior volume 33 being of sufficient size to have disposedtherein a plurality of water jets 36 and detection transceivers 40. Itshould be understood within the scope of the present invention that thenozzle 26 could be configured to have as few as one water jet 36 and onedetection transceiver 40 or more than one of each. The water jet 36 is aconventional high-pressure water jet that is operable to direct a streamof high pressure water for excavation of dirt.

The detection transceivers 40 are configured to provide electronicemission and receive a signal back from a detected subterranean object.The detection transceivers 40 are operably coupled to the controller 50as further discussed herein and are configured to provide information toa user of the excavation system 100 concerning the presence ofsubterranean objects. It is contemplated within the scope of the presentinvention that the detection transceivers 40 could be configured toemploy magnetic waves, ultrasound or x-ray to provide detection of anysubterranean objects proximate the nozzle 26. The detection transceivers40 are operably coupled to the controller 50 wherein the controller 50includes screen 52 that is operable to display images of the detectedsubterranean objects and provide estimates on the distance intermediatethe nozzle 26 and the subterranean object. The detection transceivers 40are operably coupled to the controller utilizing suitable techniques andthe controller 50 as is further discussed herein provides operationalmode control of the digging wand 20.

The controller 50 includes weatherproof housing 51 that is configured tocreate an interior volume suitable to have disposed therein thenecessary electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data.The controller 50 provides operational control of the digging wand 20 ofthe excavation system 100 wherein a plurality of control switches 56 arepresent so as to facilitate engagement of the excavation system 100. Thecontroller 50 is configured to provide at least a first mode and asecond mode of operation of the excavation system 100. In a firstoperational mode, the excavation system 100 is configured to have wateregress from water jets 36 at a constant pressure. Furthermore, in thefirst operational mode the detection transceivers 40 are activated andconsistently providing image feedback on the screen 52 of the areaproximate the nozzle 26 in order to identify the presence of anysubterranean objects.

In the second operational mode of the excavation system 100, thecontroller 50 is operable to reduce the water pressure egressing fromthe water jets 36 ensuing detection of a subterranean object proximatethe nozzle 26. In particular, once an object is detected, a visual alarmwill be provided to a user via warning light 60 and further an audioalarm will be provided utilizing a speaker (not illustrated herein)integrated into the controller. The visual alarm and audio alarmprovides notification to a user that a subterranean object has beendetected and the water pressure egressing from the water jets 36 will beeither reduced or potentially halted. It is contemplated within thescope of the present invention that the second mode of operation couldvary from progressive water pressure reduction to elimination of waterpressure until reactivated by an operator of the excavation system 100.

The controller 50 further provides operational adjustments forapplications wherein a preprogrammed water pressure is provided uponselection of an application type utilizing switches 56. It iscontemplated within the scope of the present invention that thecontroller 50 could provide alternate modes for applications wherein theapplications are determined by parameters such as but not limited toterrain type and potential subterranean objects. It should also beunderstood within the scope of the present invention that the water jets36 could be configured to spray water in a variety of patterns. It iscontemplated within the scope of the present invention that thecontroller 50 could be located on the digging wand 26, the exemplarytruck 99 or any other suitable location.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have beendescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitableembodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description mayomit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Thepreceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to thespecific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can bereasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An excavation system that is operable to provideexcavation of an area and further provide detection of subterraneanobjects wherein the excavation system comprises: a digging wand, saiddigging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wandbeing constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzleoperably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle havingat least one water jet configured to have water egress therefrom; acontroller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store,transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operablycoupled to said digging wand; at least one detection transceiver, saidat least one detection transceiver being disposed within said nozzle,said at least one detection transceiver configured to provide detectionof subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of anarea.
 2. The excavation system as recited in claim 1, wherein said atleast one detection transceiver is configured to utilize an imagingtechnique selected from one of the following: magnetic, ultrasound orx-ray.
 3. The excavation system as recited in claim 2, wherein saidcontroller is configured to provide a first operational mode and asecond operational mode of the excavation system.
 4. The excavationsystem as recited in claim 3, wherein said controller is furtherconfigured with a screen, said screen providing visual image of an areaproximate to said nozzle during excavation.
 5. The excavation system asrecited in claim 4, and further including a control interface, saidcontrol interface operably coupled to said digging wand on said firstend thereof, said control interface providing operably coupling of saiddigging wand to said controller.
 6. The excavation system as recited inclaim 5, and further including a visual alarm, said visual alarmoperable to provide a visual indicator of detection of a subterraneanobject proximate said nozzle.
 7. The excavation system as recited inclaim 6, wherein in said second mode of operation of the excavationsystem said controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressingfrom the at least one water jet subsequent detection of a subterraneanobject being proximate said nozzle.
 8. An excavation system that isconfigured to utilize a combination of pressurized water and vacuum toprovide excavation of an area wherein the excavation system comprises: astorage tank, said storage tank having a vacuum hose operably coupledthereto, said storage tank having an interior volume configured toreceive and store excavated material and water; a digging wand, saiddigging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wandbeing constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzleoperably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle havingan interior volume; a plurality of water jets, said plurality of waterjets being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, saidplurality of water jets fluidly coupled to said storage tank; acontroller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store,transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operablycoupled to said digging wand; and a plurality of detection transceivers,said plurality of detection transceivers being disposed within theinterior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of detection transceiversconfigured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate saidnozzle during excavation of an area.
 9. The excavation system as recitedin claim 8, wherein the excavation system includes a first operationalmode and a second operational mode wherein in the first operational modewater pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets is constant.10. The excavation system as recited in claim 9, wherein said controllerfurther includes a screen, said screen being operable to provide imagedata of an area proximate the digging wand during excavation.
 11. Theexcavation system as recited in claim 10, wherein said plurality ofdetection transceivers are configured to utilize an imaging techniqueselected from one of the following: magnetic, ultrasound or x-ray. 12.The excavation system as recited in claim 11, wherein said controllerfurther includes an audio and visual alarm, said audio and visual alarmoperable to provide visual and audial warning of a subterranean objectproximate said digging wand.
 13. The excavation system as recited inclaim 12, wherein in said second operational mode of the excavationsystem said controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressingfrom the plurality of water jets subsequent detection of a subterraneanobject being proximate said nozzle.
 14. The excavation system as recitedin claim 13, wherein said controller provides a third operational modewherein in said third operational mode the controller providespreprogrammed water pressures for specific applications.
 15. Anexcavation system that is configured to utilize a combination ofpressurized water and vacuum to provide excavation of an area anddetection of subterranean objects during the excavation process whereinthe excavation system comprises: a storage tank, said storage tankhaving a vacuum hose operably coupled thereto, said storage tank havingan interior volume configured to receive and store excavated materialand water; a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and asecond end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, saiddigging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second endthereof, said nozzle having an interior volume; a plurality of waterjets, said plurality of water jets being disposed within the interiorvolume of said nozzle, said plurality of water jets fluidly coupled tosaid storage tank; a controller, said controller having the necessaryelectronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, saidcontroller being operably coupled to said digging wand; a plurality ofdetection transceivers, said plurality of detection transceivers beingdisposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality ofdetection transceivers configured to provide detection of subterraneanobjects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area; and whereinsaid controller is configured to provide a first operational mode and asecond operational mode wherein in said first operational mode saidcontroller is operable to provide a constant water pressure to theplurality of water jets.
 16. The excavation system as recited in claim15, wherein in said second operational mode of the excavation systemsaid controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressing fromthe plurality of water jets subsequent detection of a subterraneanobject being proximate said nozzle.
 17. The excavation system as recitedin claim 16, wherein said plurality of detection transceivers areconfigured to utilize an imaging technique selected from one of thefollowing: magnetic, ultrasound or x-ray.
 18. The excavation system asrecited in claim 17, wherein said controller further includes an audioand visual alarm, said audio alarm being a speaker integrated into saidcontroller, said visual alarm being a light on said controller, saidaudio and visual alarm operable to provide visual and audial warning ofa subterranean object proximate said digging wand.
 19. The excavationsystem as recited in claim 18, wherein said controller provides a thirdoperational mode, said third operational mode providing operationalparameters for alternate soil types, wherein in said third operationalmode the controller provides preprogrammed water pressures for specificapplications.
 20. The excavation system as recited in claim 19, whereinin said second operational mode the controller is operable to reducewater pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets across apressure gradient.